Chief Minister reviews rainfall situation, orders measure for possible drought situation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 01 2019:
Chief Minister N Biren today convened a high level meeting with top officials of the Government and ordered quick preparatory measures for any eventuality of drought situation.
The meeting discussed action plan for a possible deficit rainfall situation, said a statement from the CM's office.
It is reported that Manipur and North East received 41% less rainfall than normal in the month of June.
This has raised concerns about the upcoming kharif crop in the State, besides apprehension of severe drinking water situation.
Those who attended the high level meeting included among others some Ministers/MLAs, Chief Secretary, Addl Chief Secretary MOBC, Principal Secretary Finance, and Commissioner Planning, Commissioner PHED, Commissioner Agriculture, Secretary Water Resources, Director Agriculture, and Chief Engineer Ml.
Agriculture Department presented an action plan for the possible rainfall deficit situation.
The plan includes the proposals for alternative varieties of paddy of shorter duration, community nursery and compensatory plantation.
Water Resources Department presented the plan for special measures for irrigation facilities.
It was pointed out that water pumps and alternative varieties of seeds will be very crucial if a drought like situation arises.
After discussion, Chief Minister directed that sufficient number of water pumps, Urea, and seeds should be kept ready.
Accordingly, it was decided that existing 157 RU Schemes /pumps of Water Resources/Ml Department shall be immediately made operational by providing required maintenance and diesel.
In addition 120 pumps of MOBS department shall also be placed at the disposal of Agriculture Department along with and 12 pumps of Agriculture Department.
All pumps shall be operated on State expenses.
The Chief Minister directed that 100 more pumps will be procured by the Government to deal with the situation.
It was further decided that farmers may approach the Water Resources and Ml Departments for irrigation support.
It was decided that a further review of rainfall situation shall be taken up in next week and depending upon the rain situation, further action shall be taken up.